What are the causes of drowning?

Drowning is one of those things that no one ever wants to talk about, mainly because it’s an unfortunate topic that involves tons of pain for both victims and their loved ones. But since you are here, let’s dive straight into the deep end and see what causes drowning.

The Basics

Before we get too far down this rabbit hole, let’s define what drowning means in plain English. When someone drowns, water enters their lungs due to being submerged underwater or choking on fluids like vomit. So basically, they lose consciousness and stop breathing altogether.

In technical terms (“Oh yeahhh”), drowning occurs when there is a lack of oxygen delivery to the body; leading organs such as the brain shut down rapidly without any mercy(“oh boy”). This can lead to harm and sometimes death if not dealt with promptly.

Now let’s move on to discuss how people drown because knowing them helps prevent them from happening (duh!)

Age Matters

Drowning happens more often for certain age groups; toddlers between 1-4 years have increased risks hence parental supervision around open bodies like swimming pools should be top, while teenagers – due to poor judgment- also stand at higher risks (big shocker). Adults who swim under influence may go overboard(pun intended) thus increasing chances(logic)

Water Hazards

We all love water(mostly) but open waters come with many hazards: rip currents(image source=”images/ripcurrent.gif”), waves=>did you know that tsunami waves(just gotta hit by Covid first) can travel up rivers? . Boats..inflatable boats! don’t forget African crocodile(all hail king Mufasa,heard he has brothers scattered round different rivers ). Knowing these dangers is crucial(so so right).

Other factors include:

Fatigue

Exhaustion leads your muscles(which are super important) to tense and cramp resulting in failure /9or something close)/ rendering you unable save yourself (That’s a yikes)

Alcohol and drugs

We have been there: having one too many cocktails or any other preferred alcoholic beverage. This impairs judgement, coordination making it difficult (for obvious reasons). Sober buddies are the real VIPs here.

Similarly, high drug use comes with impaired decision-making/coordination leading to poor judgment(throwing caution to the wind). (#pothead).

What about Ethnic Differences?

As much as we often like to pretend this is not true, ethnicity can play a role when it comes to drowning trends(I mean right?).
According to studies(that researchers do in their basements), African Americans are more likely than Caucasian Americans

  • To drown in swimming pools,
  • while participating in water sports
  • And while boating

“Possible explanations for observed differences include institutional racism that limits access of minorities/socio-economic status (^1if u want proof – ur on ur own kid)”

A unifying factor all these causes share is a lack/inadequate/swift response time(hence need for know-how/ lifesaving skills>>>PSA ALERT))))

The things mentioned above aren’t minor issues; hence knowledge will always be power(to me=welfare)
Thanks so much for reading up until now we shall part ways!!! BYEEEE

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